How Did You Get Started?

I always wanted to be a bodybuilder. I remember myself as a child seeing all those bodies in the magazines and coming back home so motivated that I couldn't sleep. I was awake until late doing push ups and crunches in my room with the lights off. My parents always refused because they believed all those myths about bodybuilding. They got me involved in other sports, but I was really hooked into bodybuilding.

It was until my sister was born that I had a chance to escape to the gym a couple of hours everyday, after school. I was very confident that, if I had the chance to train enough, I was going to develop a championship winning body...that's innocence. I did my first show less than a year later...I had no idea of how to get ready for a show.

Click To Enlarge.Antonio Díaz.

What Workout Plan Worked Best For You?

TERMS YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW

Pyramids - Increasing the weight with each new set while decreasing the number of reps. The weight is then reduced and the reps increased.Failure - That point in an exercise at which you have so fully fatigued your working muscles that they can no longer complete an additional repetition of a movement with strict biomechanics. You should always take your post-warm-up sets at least to the point of momentary muscular failure, and frequently past that point.Drop Sets - Also known as strip sets, drop sets involve the immediate reduction of weight between sets with no rest. This will thoroughly burn out a muscle.

What Supplements Have Given You The Greatest Gains?

Why do you love Bodybuilding?

The greatest feelings I have had came due to bodybuilding. I developed my character because of bodybuilding. The most precious moments I have ever had came from bodybuilding, too. Bodybuilding has given me a reason to live when everything else is gone.

When I was a teen, it made me become responsible for myself, and now, it's my way of life. Bodybuilding saved me from end up like my party mates. Thanks to bodybuilding, I stayed away from drugs and alcohol. Bodybuilding is one of the most valuable gifts that God has given me.

What Motivates You To Follow A Healthy Lifestyle?

Through my career as a personal trainer, I have always believed that you must live what you preach. Is the only way you can understand your clients feelings and needs. Many of my clients see in me an example of doing. Also, discipline and self control developed in bodybuilding can be used in many areas of your life. I want to show everybody how positive bodybuilding is. I want my girlfriend and parents to feel proud about me.

Click To Enlarge.Antonio Díaz.

What Made You Want To Achieve Your Goals?

There are a lot of reasons that makes me want to achieve certain goal or goals. Most of them, come from pride, I guess. But there is a reason. That is really important. I always wanted to be a successful bodybuilder. Since day one, I made that promise to myself.

What Are Your Future Bodybuilding Plans?

I have been competing every year nonstop since 1998. As you know, bodybuilding is a very expensive sport. Also, you need plenty of time to train, do cardio, rest and cook your meals.

Last time I competed was in the light heavyweight class at last year's Arnold Amateur. I realized that, if I want to break through this level, I need to improve my economical possibilities. So, right now, I'm focusing on that. I still don?t know what show is next. I?d like to make the North American championships or come back for next year's Arnold, but one thing is for sure...I don?t want to look the same.

What One Tip Would You Give Other Bodybuilders?

Learn as much as possible. It is the only way to make sure that you are making good choices. Get close to experienced bodybuilders and people that have true knowledge and good working ethics. Learn from them. Set yours sights high, but keep your feet on the ground.

Click To Enlarge.Antonio Díaz.

Who Are Your Favorite Bodybuilders?

There are a lot of bodybuilders with great genetics and incredible bodies, but you can?t split body and mind when you are talking about a sport like this. Spirit commands your body. I admire bodybuilders that are capable of go through difficulties and achieve their goals. I think Kai Greene is the best example these days.

What Features Do You Use On Bodybuilding.com?

I always look for the photo galleries. They always have all the updates first. I usually rush to see the results!